Figure 4. Schematic representation of sex- and gender-biased influences on drug consumption and clinically-related phenomena.

As described in the text, gendered individuals differ in their probability of encountering drugs in the environment, a phenomenon that can mask the propensity of males and females towards drug consumption. On the other hand, once the individuals have taken a drug their sexed bodies might introduce sex-related biases on the absorbance, distribution and metabolism/ elimination these substances. These potentially distinct amounts of bioavailable drug would then interact with some also sex-biased neurotransmission (i.e., dopaminergic, GABAergic…) systems. This might result in sex-biased reinforcement (as well as in a different propensity/ intensity of unwanted or aversive effects) that will affect the individuals’ probability of seeking and taking drugs in future occasions. If so, males and females can differ in their proneness to develop drug-related clinical conditions (such as dependence and addiction) and, in such a case, socially gendered factors (along with the activity of the sex-biased organismic activity) might differentially influence the access, engagement and efficacy of any therapeutic attempt intervention.